Father pleads guilty to murdering 8-year-old daughter

Eoin Reynolds

A father will be imprisoned for life after he pleaded guilty on Friday to murdering his eight-year-old daughter and attempting to murder the child's mother.

Muhammed Al Shaker Al Tamimi (35) of Lower William Street, New Ross, Co Wexford, appeared before the Central Criminal Court for a brief arraignment on Friday.

He was charged that on December 1st, 2024 at Lower William Street in New Ross, he murdered his daughter Malika Al Katib and on the same date and at the same location, attempted to murder the child's mother Aisha Al Katib (31).

He pleaded guilty to both charges.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to December 15th when the court will hear evidence, and Ms Katib and her family will be invited to make a statement. The defendant faces a mandatory life sentence for murder.

This story was updated at 3.50pm on Friday, October 10th, 2025.